The Outer Worlds 2 Offers an Expansive Experience, but Here’s What I Wish I Knew to Avoid Common Pitfalls

Outer Worlds 2 is an expansive RPG that invites players to explore its vast universe at their own pace, which can lead to a steep learning curve filled with details that are easy to overlook after a single mention.

As you dive into character creation, you’ll encounter six unique companions, navigate three factions, and tackle a variety of missions and choices that require careful consideration. The game is designed in a way that a little preparation can go a long way, so here’s a rundown of essential tips I wish I had before embarking on my journey in Outer Worlds 2.

If you haven’t jumped into the game yet, it’s worth noting that Outer Worlds 2 is available on Game Pass, making it a solid option if you’re weighing your purchase. Additionally, understanding the game’s length can help you gauge its value.

Character development is a continuous process throughout the game, as you select skills, perks, and traits that shape your experience. Before diving into that, you’ll need to choose a background for your character, which adds flavor and unlocks specific dialogue options.

The gadgets you acquire during your adventure can also influence your abilities, but these are primarily unlocked through main missions. Knowing what to expect can help you acquire them more efficiently, and some gadgets can significantly alter gameplay.

One critical aspect to watch out for are the flaws you can unlock as you progress. These flaws are tied to your actions—like how often you reload or steal—and come with both benefits and drawbacks. For instance, the Kleptomania flaw boosts your earnings from selling stolen goods but also leads to uncontrollable theft, which can create faction problems. It’s crucial to weigh these options carefully, as there’s no respec option after the tutorial, meaning your choices are permanent for that playthrough.

At some point, you may encounter zyranium poisoning, which can occur in various ways, some of which you might inflict on yourself. Knowing how to handle this condition is essential to avoid complications.

Your companions are a significant part of the experience, and some are easy to miss. Certain choices can alienate them, causing them to leave your party permanently, and one can even be killed before you realize they’re an option.

In addition to your companions, there are three factions you can interact with, work alongside, or even join. Your actions can influence your reputation with these factions, affecting their reactions, vendor prices, and more. There are also three additional factions you can encounter, but you cannot join or alter your standing with them.

Missions play a vital role in the game, with main quests, side quests, and companion tasks scattered throughout the world. Even the tutorial is packed with objectives, such as accessing the commander’s safe, finding credentials, and figuring out the intercom system while being guided through the initial stages.

Once you gain the freedom to explore, be mindful of significant decisions that can have lasting impacts early in the game, such as choosing between security ops or central dispatch, Milverstreet or Kaur, Fairfield or Westport, and Montelli choices.

There are also early missions that may not have immediate consequences but involve plenty of tasks to complete, like the scavenger hunt, Schemes of the Secret Smugglers, Drones of Doom, and In Pursuit of Purloined Propaganda.

While there’s a wealth of content to discover in Outer Worlds 2, the insights shared here should help you navigate the early hours without major surprises or setbacks. The last thing you want is to lose a favorite companion or provoke a faction into hostility while trying to progress.

So, if you’re uncertain about any aspect of the game, take a moment to review this information to ensure you’re making informed decisions.